QUALITY EXCELLENCE ENTERPRISE SMSC in tutor time: Britain and Europe QUALITY EXCELLENCE ENTERPRISE Britain and Europe Britain and Europe is a bit like a love hate relationship QUALITY EXCELLENCE ENTERPRISE Britain an island nation Great Britain (or the United Kingdom) is England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. When we say Britain we usually mean England, Scotland and Wales Britain is an island. Why does that matter?? QUALITY EXCELLENCE ENTERPRISE Europe a continent Europe is a continent. A simple fact many overlook is that Britain is part of Europe. The boundaries of Europe are note always clear This map suggest only part of Russia and Turkey are in Europe. Island nation QUALITY EXCELLENCE ENTERPRISE Europe a history. Europe has been the home of many major civilisations, developments and ideas that have shaped world history. Britain and Europe are inextricably linked! This means completely bound together. In what ways is Britain bound together with Europe? QUALITY EXCELLENCE ENTERPRISE Britain and Europe So why this image?? Here are some reasons QUALITY EXCELLENCE ENTERPRISE Reason 1 The British Empire The British Empire was the worlds largest ever Empire in terms of people and total land. Until around 1900, Britain was the worlds superpower. This has given Britain a sense of separateness and superiority over Europe. QUALITY EXCELLENCE ENTERPRISE Reason 2 World War Two ( ) In 1940 Britain was the only country in the world fighting the Nazis in WW2. Even after the USA joined, there was a sense of the British Blitz Spirit. This idea of Britain going it alone stayed after 1945 QUALITY EXCELLENCE ENTERPRISE Reason 3 - The European Union Britain joined the EEC in It is now one of 28 member states of the European Union. Many argue that European laws and regulations take away Britains rights to govern themselves (Britains sovereignty) QUALITY EXCELLENCE ENTERPRISE Britain and Europe Tutor time Discussion Point: Which statement do you agree with? A) Britain and Europe are very closely (inextricably) linked B) Britain and Europe are very separate ideas